Art on the Hill: Spring Exhibitions in Bernal Heights
This spring, the Bernal Heights art scene is buzzing with two distinct and captivating exhibitions. From the layered textures of a four-woman group show to the three-decade sculptural retrospective of a local educator, Cortland Avenue and its surrounding galleries are the place to be for art lovers this April and May.
Here is a look at what is happening on the Hill.
Piece by Piece at Inclusions Gallery
Dates: April 2 – May 3, 2026
Hours: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Inclusions Gallery
Currently showing at Inclusions Gallery, “Piece by Piece” brings together the diverse talents of Margot Hartford, Martha Cashman, Sara Foster, and Susy Siddens. This exhibition is a masterclass in how individual fragments, whether they be photographic layers, ceramic shards, or textile scraps, can coalesce into a powerful narrative.
Visitors can explore Margot Hartford’s evocative mixed media photography, Martha Cashman’s boundary-pushing sculptural forms, and the vibrant, rhythmic compositions of Sara Foster. Complementing these is the work of Susy Siddens, whose pieces find a delicate balance between rigid structure and emotional spontaneity. It is a perfect destination for those who appreciate the patience and precision required to build beauty from the ground up.
A Place for Pichon at Michelle Thomas Fine Art
Opening Reception: Friday, April 17, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dates: On view through June 26, 2026
Location: Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio
Opening later this month, Steve Firestone presents “A Place for Pichon,” a solo exhibition that marks a homecoming of sorts for the retired SFUSD educator. Firestone’s work is a fascinating transformation of “industrial ephemera”, the discarded bits of our manufactured world, into sculptures that possess a life and personality of their own.
Influenced by his background in architecture, Firestone’s style has been aptly called “Bauhaus Romanticism.” A highlight of the show is his Pandemic Pantry series. Born of introspection during the COVID-19 lockdowns, these works mirror the era’s obsession with preservation. Instead of sourdough or pickles, Firestone “canned” his collection of dormant studio materials into jars and bottles, creating intricate worlds reminiscent of ships in a bottle.
Make it a Gallery Day
With both galleries located within walking distance in the 94110, it has never been easier to support local San Francisco artists. Whether you are browsing the boutiques on Cortland or grabbing a bite at a local eatery, be sure to carve out time to experience these two unique perspectives on assembly, memory, and transformation.
Support our local creatives—visit the galleries and shop the shows this spring!
Mike Doherty serves as Chief Experience Officer at Greening Projects, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming underutilized urban spaces into vibrant green areas
